Ashwathama, a key character from the Indian epic Mahabharata, is said to be alive and will remain so until the end of Kaliyuga due to a curse from Lord Krishna. Known for his stormy temperament, Ashwathama played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra battle. Let’s delve into his fascinating story, marked by rage, revenge, and an eternal curse.
The Birth and Early Life of Ashwathama
Ashwathama was born to Guru Dronacharya and Kripi after years of penance to Lord Shiva. His birth was unusual—he neighed like a horse instead of crying. This divine child came into the world with a gem on his forehead, giving him power over all living beings lower than humans and protection from hunger, thirst, and fatigue.
Growing Up in Hastinapura
Ashwathama grew up in poverty, with his family struggling to afford even basic necessities like milk. His fortunes changed when his father became the teacher of the Kuru princes—both Pandavas and Kauravas. Ashwathama trained alongside them, honing his skills in warfare.
The Role in Kurukshetra War
Being the son of Dronacharya, who was the teacher of the Kauravas, Ashwatthama held a special place in their army. He was deeply loyal to his father and their cause. Ashwathama fought for the Kauravas during the Kurukshetra war, primarily due to his father’s loyalty to Hastinapura. Despite his skills, Ashwathama’s temper often clouded his judgment, leading to devastating actions. A major turning point for Ashwatthama was the death of his father.
The Deceptive Death of Drona
On the tenth day of the war, Drona was made the supreme commander after Bhishma’s fall. However, Krishna and the Pandavas devised a plan to trick Drona into surrendering his weapons by falsely informing him of Ashwathama’s death. Yudhishthira, known for his honesty, told Drona that Ashwathama was dead, omitting that it was actually an elephant by the same name. Distraught, Drona laid down his arms and was killed by Drishtadyumna.
The Wrath of Ashwathama
Enraged by his father’s death, Ashwathama invoked the powerful Narayanastra against the Pandavas. The weapon was nearly unstoppable, but Krishna instructed the Pandava army to disarm, rendering the weapon harmless. Despite its single-use nature, the Narayanastra caused significant damage before it was neutralized.
The Night Attack and Its Consequences
Driven by a thirst for revenge, Ashwathama planned a night attack on the Pandava camp with Kripacharya and Kritvarma. During the attack, he mercilessly killed many warriors, including the five Upapandavas, mistaking them for the Pandavas.
The Final Curse: Ashwathama Curse by Krishna
Upon learning of the slaughter, the Pandavas and Krishna were devastated. Bheema swore to avenge the fallen warriors and pursued Ashwathama. In a desperate attempt to kill the Pandavas, Ashwathama used the Brahmastra, a powerful divine weapon, aiming it at Uttara’s womb to end the Pandava lineage. Krishna intervened, saving the unborn child, who was later named Parikshit.
As punishment, Krishna cursed Ashwathama to wander the earth for 3000 years, suffering from an eternal wound that would never heal. Stripped of his gem, Ashwathama was condemned to a life of perpetual agony, longing for death but never finding it.
Where is Ashwathama Now?
Some legends suggest that Ashwathama still roams the earth, particularly near Asirgarh Fort, offering prayers to Lord Shiva. It is believed that he will meet the Kalki avatar, the future incarnation of Vishnu, at the end of Kaliyuga. The legend of Ashwathama’s immortality is alive and well, with numerous reports and sightings keeping the mystery alive.
One intriguing account comes from a doctor in Madhya Pradesh who claims that a patient with an unusual wound on his forehead sought his help. Despite trying every possible treatment and stitching the wound, it remained unhealed. In a moment of jest, the doctor asked if the patient was Ashwathama. To his shock, as soon as he turned around, the patient vanished without a trace. Not a single person outside saw him leave, and the doctor described the wound as if “his brains were pulled out from the front of his head.”
Another fascinating claim comes from the famous Pilot Baba, formerly a fighter pilot with the Indian Air Force. He asserts that he has seen Ashwathama in the foothills of the Himalayas. According to Pilot Baba, the cursed warrior now lives among the Himalayan tribes and continues to offer prayers at a temple of Lord Shiva every day.
Lessons from Ashwathama’s Story
The story of Ashwathama is a powerful reminder of the far-reaching consequences of our actions. It teaches us about the dangers of unchecked anger, the importance of truth, and the heavy price of vengeance. Despite his minor status in the Mahabharata, Ashwathama’s tale is a significant one, illustrating the profound moral and ethical lessons embedded in Hindu mythology.
Ashwathama’s journey from a revered warrior to a cursed immortal is both tragic and enlightening. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of anger and the enduring impact of our choices. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the values of righteousness, truth, and the pursuit of inner peace.
The tale of the immortal Ashwathama is as compelling as it is tragic. Through the legend of Ashwathama, we see the enduring consequences of wrath and retribution, and the eternal search for redemption. His story is not just a tale of immortality but a timeless lesson in morality and the human condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can defeat Ashwathama?
In the Mahabharata, Ashwathama is considered nearly invincible due to his prowess in battle and his boon of immortality. However, he is not completely undefeatable. During the Kurukshetra war, Ashwathama is unable to be killed but can be subdued. Arjuna, with the guidance of Lord Krishna, is able to disarm and incapacitate Ashwathama. Ultimately, it is Lord Krishna who curses Ashwathama to live a life of misery and isolation, thereby effectively rendering him powerless and defeated in a spiritual and moral sense.
2. What is the age of Ashwathama?
Ashwathama is said to be immortal due to a boon from his father, Dronacharya, and a curse from Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, he is believed to have been born at the end of the Dvapara Yuga and is thus several thousand years old, still wandering the earth as per the curse.
3. Is Ashwathama an avatar of Shiva?
Ashwathama is often associated with Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. It is believed that he was born with a blessing from Lord Shiva, making him a partial incarnation or amsha of the deity. While he is not considered a direct avatar (complete incarnation) of Shiva, his immense power and martial skills are attributed to this divine connection.
4. Is Ashwathama good or bad?
Ashwathama’s character is complex and cannot be easily classified as good or bad. He is a great warrior and loyal to his father and the Kauravas. However, his actions during the Kurukshetra war, especially the brutal killing of the Pandava children and the use of the Brahmastra weapon against the unborn child in Uttara’s womb, are considered morally condemnable. Therefore, he is often seen as a tragic and flawed figure whose actions led to his downfall and curse.
5. Who killed Ashwatthama?
In the Mahabharata, Ashwatthama is not killed. He is one of the seven Chiranjivi (immortals) in Hindu mythology, meaning he was granted immortality. At the end of the Kurukshetra war, after Ashwatthama kills the Pandava children in their sleep, Arjuna, guided by Lord Krishna, confronts him. Arjuna defeats Ashwatthama in battle and strips him of the divine jewel from his forehead, which is the source of his power and protection. Lord Krishna then curses Ashwatthama to live a life of eternal wandering, suffering from wounds and disease, but he does not die. Thus, no one kills Ashwatthama; he remains alive and immortal, wandering the earth as per the curse.
